01 April, 2011

These past few days we've been tweaking the plans for the 700c version of the Polyvalent that we hope to introduce next year. A second prototype should be in the works soon with some small improvements and one rather major change.

First the easy stuff, this new frame has geometry that's a bit more touring oriented than the 650b version. That means slightly longer chain stays, a slightly shorter top tube, and full rack braze-ons front and rear. It will also probably have vertical drop-outs We are still discussing the final geometry and little details such as behind-the-seat-tube pump pegs and a kickstand plate.

The bigger change is one I've wanted to experiment with for many years. As you know, our designs are inspired by the French constructeur bikes, which I believe were the pinnacle of classic bicycle design. What you may not know is that there were several great constructeurs who worked not in steel but in Dural (or aluminum alloy). Perhaps the most famous of these was Pierre Caminade, who created fantastic touring, rando, and city bikes from lugged aluminum tubing. His bikes have a reputation for a silky smooth ride. Joel Metz's Blackbird site has a great section on Caminade's bikes and components.

Since the Polyvalent is supposed to be an economical frame, we won't try to duplicate the alloy lugs. It will be TIG welded frame like the 650b version. But we have found a source for the traditional octagonal Dural tubing which should look fantastic when polished. We may also do matching octagonal seat posts and head sets.

Not into it at all. I would like to see a serious 650B touring frameset that a family guy can afford. I own many of you products and love my 63CM rando frameset. I would love to be able to take it the next step with a 63 or better yet a 65cm 650B bike fully equipped with fenders dynamo,lights, racks with a 650b wheelset supporting 41mm to 44mm tires etc..

The 650B Polyvalent fills a real gap, but there are many options for a steel 700C touring (or touring-ish) frame. Granted, the pump peg and kickstand plate would be an improvement over a LHT, but I'd love to see something truly different: Bring on the duraluminum!

I think it would also help in marketting if we called it 650DD (as in "650 Double D"). Sure, it sounds like a bra size, but at least we know from the name that it's a hip and large (all things 650x are hip) and it's Double D (all things double D are large).

I had the real Caminade tourer. It was lightning quick in its day. Once the Ironman fad hit a few years back, I had the fastest fendered TT bike in the tristate area. I now believe that such performance enhancing machines should be banned from amateur criteriums/randos/timetrials/cyclocross/and gonzo-commuting!

I think a "do-it-yourself" Velo Orange frame kit would be a great idea. You could include the lugs, tubing, decals, file, a small saw and detailed instructions. It undoubtedly would be inexpensive and what a great way to spend a weekend. And being aluminum, very easy to cut. And for those who cut too short.....replacement tubes, exclusively from V.O. The "VOA", or Velo Orange ALumina frame would take over the industry and put frame builders out of business.

This could be problematic for Velo Orange. You would need yet a new warehouse, your stock would go public and you would have to look into getting a financial consultant.

So, this model will be called the Chris Crafted? Does it come with a well kept 40ish French lady to bring me a warm croissant or other nice warm things? C'est la Vie!Since I am a real devil can I get a special order model with pentagonal tubing and 666d wheels? It would be a real hit in Avignon!

I know you're not serious about some of this but also hope that you are not serious about vertical dropouts for the 700c Polyvalent.

I would like a 700c bike for commuting and for a more upright position than my two drop-bar bikes provide. I'm not certain if I will go with derailleur or internal hub and perhaps even imternal-gear, roadster style - a poor man's A.N.T.